The UN Ocean Decade has reached a significant milestone in its mission to democratise ocean science with the official publication of the Ocean Decade Citizen Science Data Sharing Guideline.

Ocean data collected by citizen scientists across Europe is vital for filling critical knowledge gaps. However, for this data to truly influence global policy and ocean health, it must be Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable (FAIR).

The Ocean Decade Data Sharing Guidelines are published by UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC), and provide a comprehensive framework for project leaders and data managers.

They cover:

• Key principles and standards for high-quality data collection and sharing.

• Best practices for integrating citizen-led observations into global marine data systems.

• Practical advice for ensuring that data is robust enough for use in scientific research and decision-making.

If all local and regional data collection and sharing activities aligns with these international standards, then the true value of these contributions can be unlocked.

These guidelines help bridge the gap between "small-scale" projects and "large-scale" impact, ensuring every observation contributes to the "science we need for the ocean we want."

Read the full guideline here.

Ph. Foto di Andrew Ruiz su Unsplash